Explore how contributions and returns may build over time. Compare three return scenarios, account for optional fees and inflation, and see how much of your future balance comes from your own contributions.
Three return scenarios • Optional fees and inflation • Calculated in your browserYear-by-year expected projection
| Year | Cash contributed this year | Total cash contributed | Fees paid to date | Investment growth after fees | Ending balance | Value in today’s money |
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Growth after fees is the account balance minus cash contributed, after modeled fees. It can be negative if losses and fees exceed gains.
How to use this investment calculator
Enter your starting investment, recurring contribution, expected annual return, and investment period. Select a contribution frequency and whether deposits happen at the beginning or end of each period. The three scenario rates let you compare different constant-return assumptions. Optional fields model recurring fees, a fee on each contribution, increasing contributions, and inflation.
How the projection is calculated
The annual return you enter is treated as an effective annual rate and converted to an equivalent rate for the selected contribution frequency. The calculator applies this periodic rate between contributions. Beginning-of-period deposits are invested before that period’s modeled return; end-of-period deposits are invested after it.
View the formula and fee assumptions
For annual return R and f contribution periods per year, the equivalent periodic return is (1 + R)1/f − 1. Each period, the investment balance changes by the modeled return and the account fee, then the contribution is added at the selected timing. The annual management fee is applied proportionally over the periods in a year. Contribution fees are deducted from each deposit. The one-time fee is deducted from the starting investment.
Annual contribution increases occur after each completed year. Inflation-adjusted value is the nominal balance divided by (1 + annual inflation)years. Scenario rates are held constant for illustration and are not probabilities or forecasts.
Understanding the results
- Ending balance: projected account value after modeled returns and fees.
- Total cash contributed: starting investment plus all scheduled deposits before contribution fees.
- Fees: initial fee, contribution fees, and estimated annual management fees.
- Growth after fees: projected ending balance minus all cash contributed. Fees and investment losses therefore reduce this amount.
- Value in today’s money: an inflation-adjusted estimate of purchasing power.
Example: steady contributions
Starting with $10,000, adding $500 at the end of each month, and assuming a constant 7% effective annual return for 20 years produces a projection based on 240 monthly periods. The conservative and optimistic scenarios show how different assumed returns can substantially change a long-term estimate. The figures are mathematical illustrations, not promised results.
Important limitations
Does this predict actual market performance?
No. Real returns vary from period to period, can be negative, and are not guaranteed. A constant-rate model cannot represent volatility, sequence-of-returns risk, or the future performance of a specific asset.
Does this include taxes or withdrawals?
No. Taxes, withdrawals, required minimum distributions, transaction rules, and product-specific charges are not modeled. Add professional tax guidance when evaluating an actual investment.
Does the currency selector convert currencies?
No. It changes the display symbol and formatting only. Convert your inputs before comparing values in another currency.
Are my inputs saved?
The calculator performs its projection in your browser and does not send inputs to the calculation code. The website host or other installed plugins may have their own analytics or privacy practices.
For education and planning only. This calculator does not provide financial, tax, or investment advice.